After having to give up football due to an injury, Ivan Faulhaber will join his classmates when Oregon recognizes its seniors before Saturday’s Civil War.

The Sheldon graduate is finishing up his fifth season with the Ducks while serving an internship under Trae Hackett, Oregon’s associate athletic director for football player engagement.

“I’m helping guys find career opportunities, and plan and organize events outside football,” Faulhaber said. “We help guys find a life outside football, whether that’s volunteer opportunities or career opportunities, anything to help them pursue and advance their own lives. I love enabling student-athletes because I think they possess an influence on our community.”

After helping Sheldon win the 2012 state championship as a senior, Faulhaber joined the Ducks as a walk-on linebacker and spent four years on the team while playing in seven games.

During spring practice, he suffered a broken ankle that forced him to medically retire from the sport, but he wanted to find a way to stay involved with the program during what would have been his redshirt senior season.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity that coach Taggart and Trae Hackett have given me to stay around and enjoy the year,” Faulhaber said. “I’m very grateful for that.”

Faulhaber graduated in just over three years with a degree in International Studies with a focus on business. He has taken some graduate-level classes and served a couple internships while also earning a minor in Spanish and business.

“I want to be involved in college athletics or sports in general after I am done here,” he said.

Faulhaber wanted to travel abroad as part of his International Studies work, but could not find the time due to his football commitment. He plans to spend a three-month internship in Argentina this spring.

“They are going to place me in a sports field, place me in a spot they think is right,” Faulhaber said. “This is a way for me to get abroad, get outside Eugene, because I have lived here for 23 years.”

First, Faulhaber will be introduced at Autzen Stadium before the Ducks host Oregon State at 4 p.m. along with other members of his recruiting class including his old high school teammate, Taylor Alie, as well as Tyree Robinson, Juwaan Williams, Kani Benoit, Doug Brenner, Jake Pisarcik, Evan Voeller and Elijah George.

“That will be a cool experience,” he said. “My family will be there so I’m excited. It’s a good way to wrap up my senior year.”